Exhortation

Ruth 3 begins and ends with “rest.” Naomi seeks “rest” for Ruth (v. 1), and after Ruth meets Boaz on the threshing floor, Naomi assures her daughter-in-law and Boaz will not “rest” until he has finished the task.

That’s his job as a redeemer: To bring rest. Redeemers buy brothers from slavery, restore property to the poor, raise up a son for a dead relative. As Toby said last week, redemption is Yahweh’s work, and since it is the work of our God, it is our work. We are to be redeemers, and a redeemer is one who brings rest.

Ruth 3 points to another dimension of rest. The word for “complete” or “finish” is the word used in Genesis 2:1 to describe Yahweh’s completion of the creation. God takes His rest after He finishes His creative work, and by bringing rest redeemers renew creation.

Now, consider: Are you a rest bringer? Dads, are your wife and kids relieved when you come home from work, or do they scatter because they know the fireworks are about to begin? Brothers and sisters, do your siblings delight in your presence in the home – or do they run for cover? Moms, do your words and actions and tone create an atmosphere of peace in your home, or do you increase the stress level? Are you making your home, your workplace, your friendships – are you making these places zone of peace, outposts of the new creation?

You have been saved from slavery and restlessness, and brought to rest. Go and bring rest to those around you. In Christ, you are new creations; spread that new creation wherever you go. Be like Boaz, Ruth’s redeemer.